Sunday, April 29, 2012

AFC Matchday 5 - Preview

As we enter the penultimate round of fixtures, all four teams still have realistic hopes of clinching spots in the last 16. Guangzhou Evergrande lead the way on 7 points and are closely followed by Jeonbuk and Buriram on 6 with Kashiwa two points adrift on 4.
Buriram United are currently third in the group after suffering back-to-back defeats to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. The South Korean side sit second as their better head-to-head record unfortunately trumps Buriram's superior goal difference.
Kashiwa Reysol have had a troublesome time since winning their first J-League title last year. They are currently lingering just above the relegation zone in the J-League, and a loss to Buriram on Matchday 5 would add to their woes with elimination from the AFC Champions League.
Buriram probably need at least 4 more points to qualify so losing is not an option in Japan. The Thai champions have defended poorly in the last couple of matches and will need to tighten up at the back. However with the lively Achaempong and the tenacious Ohandza in the squad, you always feel that Buriram can find goals.
Guangzhou pummelled Jeonbuk 5-1 in South Korea on Matchday 1 and another victory for the Chinese side would ensure their furtherance to the next round.